Jerash
Roman Provincial City Of Gerasa, One Of The Decapolis, Among The Best Preserved Roman Cities In The Middle East, With Hadrian'S Arch, The Oval Forum, The Colonnaded Cardo, The South Theatre And The Temple Of Artemis. A Tentative UNESCO World Heritage Candidate. · Jerash, Jerash
Jerash is the ancient Roman city of Gerasa, about 50 km (45 to 60 minutes) north of Amman, and one of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the Middle East. It was one of the Decapolis, a league of ten cities, and most of what you see dates from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. You enter by Hadrian's Arch, built in 129 AD, then pass the Hippodrome and the South Gate to the oval forum, the long colonnaded Cardo with chariot ruts in the paving, the South Theatre and the big columns of the Temple of Artemis. Byzantine churches hold mosaics. Plan on about 3 hours. The honest picture: the site is large, uneven and has almost no shade, summer sun is fierce, and guides and souvenir sellers press hard at the gate. Bring water and a hat, go in spring or autumn, and start early. It is an easy day trip from Amman and pairs well with Ajloun Castle. Go early, wear good shoes, take your time on the Cardo, and leave space for lunch in town, where the falafel and hummus are very good and cheap. Allow time, drink water, and respect the fragile stones.
Roman provincial city of Gerasa in the hills north of Amman, about 50 km from the capital, entered through Hadrian's Arch, Jerash, Jerash, Jordan
The site is open daily, usually from morning until around sunset, with last entry about an hour earlier; hours shift by season, so confirm locally. A day ticket covers the main ruins and is included in the Jordan Pass. The museum is small and may CLOSE on some days. The Roman Army and Chariot show runs on set days.